second trial

[stagemanagers]

[As the investigation ends, you'll hear Hester's voice inviting you to the auditorium. As this happens, the twin doors on either side of the concession stand, across from the gym, will click open. You can enter on either side; both go to the same place.

When you enter the auditorium, it's dark. There's only the small lights along the walkway behind all the seats, just enough to illuminate where you're going. There's a central path between the seats, down towards where you know the stage must be. That's where you must be going, right? As you pass each row of seats, the lights at their ends flick on, marking your procession and slowly making more and more of the room visible. Shortly, you can see your destination: a circle of podiums stationed in the orchestra pit, below the lip of the darkened, curtained stage. They're all identical, labeled with a cast member's name. Elisabeth and Connor have joined Mumble in having theirs draped in black crepe and with a framed monochrome photo of them on top.

When you reach the podiums, the lights above the stage finally come on. the Wizard is once again waiting for you. Beside it Hester is slowly lowers in on her bubble. Her dress this week is a purple monstrosity, more akin to a voluminous prom dress than the simple outfits she usually wears.

The mechanical head, with glowing green eyes, is installed above the stage and the still-closed curtain. Even if you were standing on the stage, it'd be well out of reach. It peers down at all of you, its motions fluid, and speaks with a booming, artificial-sounding voice:]

Welcome to your second trial, everyone. It's time to determine who was responsible for the murder of Connor. Feel free to talk amongst yourselves and work together - you'll have to show teamwork if you want to leave this room alive.

Comments

[violentenvies]

That is not what I asked. I asked about your human specifically. Jeremy Heere, I'm assuming, considering that is the one name I've heard you say with any sort of intensity.

Would it be in Jeremy's best interest for you to lie about your involvement here? That is, would you leaving this place and being able to return to him, as well as saving whatever place is in that picture, be in his best interest?

[voicerights]

[At that, it looks at Salieri as if he's said something particularly stupid]

Of course it would be. Would escaping this cage and returning to your own home be in your best interest?

[disharmonizes]

Oh, now that's debatable.

[violentenvies]

[Salieri opens his mouth to speak, but then pauses as Discord says that, taking a moment to consider. Then he'll look right back at the SQUIP, arching an eyebrow, folding his arms over his chest] Escaping this cage, certainly. But if to return home means hurting anyone here, I...

[his brow furrows into a frown] It is unthinkable. Whatever is waiting for me at home now, and in the future of that home...it's not worth the lives of anyone here.

[disharmonizes]

But, of course, for someone who isn't burdened by such minor things as empathy...

[violentenvies]

[Salieri glances across the circle at Discord, meeting his eyes for a moment]

It would make the decision certainly easier, if one had a clear objective that tied them to someone they apparently would do quite a lot for.

[voicerights]

You- [and it's starting to recover from the whole Pegerine thing? But there's still some of that- almost frantic intensity it had, when it was hunting for Mountain Dew] -are human. You are able to make that decision. I am not.

[violentenvies]

Oh? So you must always act in the best interests of your human, then?

[voicerights]

[It nods mutely]

[violentenvies]

Thus, is my assumption that there is a possibility that you had a hand in this illogical somehow?

[voicerights]

...it is not. But you have nothing to implicate me over anyone else who would hold concern about the motive.

[mayavericks]

Then perhaps we should refocus our efforts for the time being. Undoubtedly, there will be evidence to tie someone to this crime. I recommend starting with checking for injuries, as we did last time. This was a knife, after all. There is a chance that whoever did this may have nicked themselves in the process.

[violentenvies]

True enough. Where do you think would be best to start?

[mayavericks]

Hands first, that would be the best step.

[themuseabandonsyou]

[ Orpheus nods, and rolls up his sleeves. His hands are forearms are clear. ]

[violentenvies]

[he'll nod, holding out his hands--No injuries here.

[alchemistake]

[Varian…hesitates, but takes his gloves off after a pause.

His left hand is bandaged, but it’s not bloody.]

I promise I cut myself earlier this week accidentally. Several people saw me running into the Nurse’s Office when it happened.

[sugarlumps]

[Her hands are clean and free of injuries. Perhaps a bit salty from tears, but otherwise we're good.]

[violentenvies]

Of course. There are still plenty of questions left unanswered. [casually] For example, whether anyone could confirm that you did, in fact, go back to your dorm to sleep last night, and for how long?

[voicerights]

I went alone. But those in there would have seen me this morning.

[employeeoftheyear]

I already gave up my home last week.

[He says this in a hollow tone, not looking up from his podium.]

[disharmonizes]

[Oh, geez.

...Discord's just going to fold a little fish out of paper and maybe float that over to Spongebob. Hang in there, buddy...]

[employeeoftheyear]

[He looks at it.

Then looks at Discord.

Then he pulls him into a tight hug.]

Thank you.

[disharmonizes]

[hhhhh oh no what does he do with this

send help]

Ah, um, yes. Well. You're... welcome.

[employeeoftheyear]

[I'm so sorry Discord but Spongebob is a hugger; he's not letting go anytime soon.]

I mean it. I'm so glad you're here with me.